Question 995 of 1,020

Printer Troubleshooting →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Laser Printer Ghost Image: Replace Fuser Assembly

This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of printer troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.

A large organization uses multiple network printers. One printer consistently prints pages with a faint ghost image of the previous page's content. The printer has been recently serviced with a new toner cartridge and drum. What component is most likely causing this ghosting?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

A
The transfer roller is worn
Why wrong: A worn transfer roller can cause uneven transfer, but ghosting is more associated with the fuser or cleaning blade, not the transfer roller.
B
The fuser assembly is failing
A failing fuser can leave residual toner on the drum, which then transfers to the next page as a ghost image. This is a common cause of ghosting.
C
The toner cartridge is low on toner
Why wrong: Low toner causes faint prints overall, not ghosting. Ghosting is a duplication of a previous image, not a lack of toner.
D
The paper path has a buildup of toner
Why wrong: Toner buildup in the paper path can cause spots or smudges, but ghosting is typically a fuser or drum issue, not a paper path issue.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

Quick Answer

The correct answer is the fuser assembly, because a failing fuser is the most common cause of a laser printer ghost image, especially when the toner cartridge and drum have already been replaced. Ghosting occurs when residual toner from a previous page is not fully fused or cleaned off the drum, and the worn fuser’s heat and pressure rollers transfer that faint image onto the next page. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of the electrophotographic process and the fuser’s role in permanently bonding toner to paper. A common trap is to suspect the toner cartridge or drum first, but since those are new, the fuser or its cleaning blade is the likely culprit. Remember the memory tip: “Ghosts haunt the fuser”—if you see a faint repeat image, think heat and pressure failure, not toner.

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

✓

The fuser assembly is failing

Ghosting—a faint duplicate of a previous image—is often caused by a failing fuser that does not properly clean residual toner from the drum or by a worn cleaning blade. Even with new consumables, the fuser or cleaning assembly may be worn. The fuser's heat and pressure can cause toner to stick and transfer later.

Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✗
The transfer roller is worn
Why it's wrong here
A worn transfer roller can cause uneven transfer, but ghosting is more associated with the fuser or cleaning blade, not the transfer roller.
✓
The fuser assembly is failing
Why this is correct
A failing fuser can leave residual toner on the drum, which then transfers to the next page as a ghost image. This is a common cause of ghosting.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The toner cartridge is low on toner
Why it's wrong here
Low toner causes faint prints overall, not ghosting. Ghosting is a duplication of a previous image, not a lack of toner.
✗
The paper path has a buildup of toner
Why it's wrong here
Toner buildup in the paper path can cause spots or smudges, but ghosting is typically a fuser or drum issue, not a paper path issue.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.

KKey Concepts to Remember

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.

TExam Day Tips

Underline the problem statement mentally.
Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.

Key takeaway

Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.

Real-world example

How this comes up in practice

A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 220-1201 question test?

Printer Troubleshooting — This question tests Printer Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The fuser assembly is failing — Ghosting—a faint duplicate of a previous image—is often caused by a failing fuser that does not properly clean residual toner from the drum or by a worn cleaning blade. Even with new consumables, the fuser or cleaning assembly may be worn. The fuser's heat and pressure can cause toner to stick and transfer later.

What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

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